Squatters strike again in Rockville

The squatting phenomenon continues to build momentum in Maryland, and most recently in the City of Rockville. Two men somehow gained access to an apartment building in the unit block of Monroe Place in Rockville Town Center on an unspecified date, Rockville City police report. They "took up residency" in a vacant unit in the building. A staff member of the property eventually discovered the squatters after unlocking that apartment's door at 12:15 PM on June 29, 2025, and told them they had to leave. Police determined the two squatters were homeless.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and legislators had promised to take swift action on squatting, but have appeared impotent to stop it this summer. State Delegate Mike Griffith (R) said yesterday that he will be introducing legislation in the state legislature next year to close loopholes that currently blur the line between a legal tenant and a squatter. He told WBFF Fox 45 that a business client of his currently has squatters living in five of his Maryland properties. "It’s 100% a multimillion-dollar issue here in the state that we need to address," Griffith said.

Montgomery County police bust up Germantown crack ring

The 5th District Community Action Team of the Montgomery County Police Department has busted up an alleged crack ring operating in Germantown. Many citizen complaints have been received by the department about the sale of illegal narcotics in the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road. In response, DCAT, in coordination with the department's Special Investigations Division and the 5th District Special Assignment Team, launched an investigation into this last fall. The work of many months culminated on June 25, 2025, when County officers raided three residences, and recovered a cache of firearms, money, and drugs.

Police arrested Duane Shelton, 46, of Germantown; Kevin Patton, 44, of Germantown; Anre Russell, 39, of Takoma Park; Michael Marshall, 37, of Gaithersburg; and Alexander Burch, 48, of Petersburg, Virginia. Shelton, Patton, and Russell are all being held without bond; Marshall was released on bond, and Burch was released on his own recognizance. All five have been charged with multiple controlled-dangerous-substance charges; police did not specify if firearms charges are pending.

Officers seized five vehicles; four firearms; distribution amounts of crack, PCP, and MDMA; and $43,000 in cash. One evidence photo appears to show a bulletproof vest. Detectives say that their investigation into this ring and activity are not over, however. The criminal activity alleged is on a level sophisticated enough that the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are involved, and providing inter-agency data and support.

Duane Shelton

Kevin Patton

Anre Russell

Michael Marshall

Alexander Burch

Photos courtesy MCPD

Armed carjacking in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed carjacking in Rockville early Thursday morning, June 26, 2025. The carjacking was reported in the 10000 block of Darnestown Road at 4:17 AM Thursday. It took place in a commercial parking lot.

Strong-arm carjacking in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a strong-arm carjacking in the Twinbrook Forest neighborhood late Saturday night. The carjacking and assault were reported in the 400 block of Meadow Hall Road at 11:10 PM Saturday. That is in the vicinity of the original Carl Sandburg Elementary School/Learning Center. 

Armed robbery in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in a residential neighborhood of Rockville early Thursday morning, June 19, 2025. The robbery was reported in the 14400 block of Parkvale Road at 1:01 AM Thursday. That is off of Baltimore Road, near Rock Creek.

Squatter takes up residence in Rockville home

A squatter took up residence in a Rockville home for three days last weekend, before Rockville City police were called to the property. The suspect, whom police said is homeless, was inside a vacant home in the 300 block of Howard Avenue from 4:30 PM on June 13, 2025 to 4:00 PM on June 16. New attention is being paid to the phenomenon of squatting across Maryland in recent weeks, as the activity has spiked in Baltimore and other parts of the state. In some cases, people in genuine need of shelter are taking the initiative on their own, but many recent cases in the Baltimore area have involved organized squatting networks operating online, who are taking money from the squatters in exchange for house keys and falsified documents.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) told WBFF Fox 45 TV in Baltimore that his administration is "taking immediate action" on the issue. Maryland Delegate Ryan Nowrocki (R) disputed the governor's claim. "We have done nothing at the state level to address squatting in Maryland," Nowrocki responded in an interview with Fox 45. "I understand that the governor is making all kinds of claims about this issue, but at the end of the day, the governor is certainly entitled to his own opinion on the matter, but not entitled to his own set of facts. The facts are that squatting is out of control, and frankly, we have no law-and-order in this state right now, and that is partly the governor’s fault."

Early morning assault in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault yesterday morning, June 15, 2025. The assault was reported in the 100 block of Talbott Street at 4:30 AM Sunday. It was reported along the street, which runs from Rockville Pike past the Talbott Center and several apartment complexes.

Police scuffle with suspicious man outside of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville

Montgomery County police, on heightened alert after an antisemitic firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado two weeks ago, observed a man circling the parking lot at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville at 2:54 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Officers noticed the man's vehicle did not have a student pickup pass displayed. The officers, who were off-duty and assigned to security at the school, directed the driver to exit the parking lot. However, the man then drove back into the lot.

According to police, the officers ordered the man to stop. The man allegedly ignored the officers, and drove through cones into the student pickup line, toward oncoming cars. He then stopped the vehicle, but refused to get out of the car when ordered to by the officers. The man declined to answer questions about his identity, or what his purpose was in being on school property. 

Officers then attempted to forcibly remove him from the vehicle. He allegedly resisted, and then became combative. Officers struggled to subdue him, and noticed a pocket knife fall out of the man's clothing. After a brief scuffle, in which two officers suffered minor injuries, they arrested the man.

Joseph Amr Khairy Abdalla, 38, of Germantown has been charged with multiple counts of assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He is being held without bond at the County jail. Yesterday, the court called for Abdalla to undergo a Maryland Department of Health inpatient competency examination. This is typically ordered to determine if a defendant is competent to stand trial. A trial has been scheduled for July 29, 2025 in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville.

Police say that at this stage of the investigation, they have not yet found evidence that Abdalla intended to harm anyone at the school, but did not elaborate on the findings that led to that conclusion. Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada praised his officers for their vigilance and quick action at the school on Thursday. “The actions of these officers shows our heightened efforts to protect our community and the courage of officers to take decisive action for the safety of all,” Yamada said in a statement.

Shooting in Rockville Town Center

UPDATE - 9:59 AM - June 14, 2025: Rockville City police have identified the two suspects who were arrested following the shooting:  Caleb Jiron, 18, of Frederick, and Freddy Gonzalez-Soto, 18, of Montgomery Village. Both men were allegedly armed with "ghost guns," police said. They have been charged with   Attempted First Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and multiple firearms violations. Police report that the victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.

UPDATE - 9:39 PM: Rockville City police have confirmed there is one victim in the shooting. The adult male victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds when he was encountered by officers in the 200 block of N. Washington Street shortly after 6:00 PM tonight, June 12, 2025. He was transported to a local hospital, where he is now in stable condition. Officers identified two suspects in the area, and arrested them.

However, the investigation is ongoing.  The 200 block of N. Washington St. will be closed for an extended period for that purpose. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at

Detectives@RockvilleMD.Gov or 240-314-8900. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Rockville City police are on the scene of a shooting in the Town Center area, the department announced minutes ago. Police say the shooting took place in the 200 block of N. Washington Street. "This is an active and evolving investigation," the department said in a statement. "Expect an increased police presence in the area."

Assault at 7-Eleven in Rockville

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating the suspect in the May 7, 2025 aggravated assault at the 7-Eleven store at 11530-G Rockville Pike. Shortly before 7:30 PM that evening, police say, the suspect entered the store and dispensed a soft drink for himself at the soda fountain. When he allegedly began to drink the soda without paying for it, an employee confronted him to state that the beverages are not free. The suspect responded by striking the employee, police allege, and then began throwing merchandise at store employees. He proceeded to flee the store.

However, police say he then attempted to reenter the convenience store. Employees held the doors shut so that he could not. The suspect then pulled out a firearm and threatened to shoot them. But he instead ran toward the White Flint Metro station.

Police describe the suspect as a Black male, approximately 6'3" in height, with black hair and a beard. He was wearing black pants, a green shirt, a gray jacket, and a black Washington Commanders sweatshirt. The suspect was also carrying a pink shoulder bag and a black backpack.

Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org (http://www.crimesolversmcmd.org/) and click on the “www.p3tips.com (http://www.p3tips.com/)” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the suspects’ arrest. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

New 6th District Montgomery County police station officially opens in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the new 6th District County police station in Gaithersburg this week. County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart were among the dignitaries to christen the new station, which is located at 222 Paramount Park Drive in the Watkins Mill Town Center area. 

Developers never delivered the promised movie theater, upscale restaurant, or even the actual "town center" of Watkins Mill Town Center, but did rake in all the profits from the residential housing portion of the development. Heckuva job, Brownie! New residents did get a Royal Farms gas station, a Starbucks, and now the police station, however. They'll likely welcome the latter, given the ongoing crime wave that has bedeviled the county since the summer of 2020.

“The new 6th District Police Station is an important project for the County that will strengthen critical emergency services to our residents in an area that has seen tremendous growth,” Elrich said in a statement this morning. “The Gaithersburg area has seen a great deal of development over the years, and as the community changes, the demand changes. We recognized the importance of adapting to the needs of a growing community, and this station is a testament to our ability to meet those needs. The new station will help to improve the safety and security of residents and businesses and address our current and future needs for the decades to come.” 

Almost 200 department staff and volunteers may be on-site at any given time. The station will serve as the base for investigative units, as well as the Central Traffic Unit, which was established in July 2021. It also features a public space "designed to foster engagement, collaboration and dialogue within the community." 

Burglars target Rockville's newest neighborhood

Burglars gave themselves a private tour of several homes at Rockville's newest neighborhood, the Farmstead District, located at 2590 Farmstead Drive, last week. The development is adjacent to King Farm, and is just south of Shady Grove Road. Rockville City police say that one or more burglars entered at least five homes that are under construction in the 2500 block of Farmstead Drive, and stole unspecified property from the interiors. The burglaries are believed to have taken place between 9:00 PM on May 28, 2025, and 9:00 AM on May 29. 

Police do not have any suspect descriptions. If you have any information that can assist detectives in identifying these suspects, call police at 240-314-8900.

Rockville names Jason West Rockville City police chief

The City of Rockville has named Interim Police Chief Jason West as the permanent chief of the Rockville City Police Department. City Councilmember Adam Van Grack announced the appointment on social media this evening. "Chief West is an incredible leader, dedicated officer, and wonderful person," Van Grack wrote on Facebook. "I am truly proud to have him leading our Police Department." Chief West replaces the previous chief, Victor Brito, who resigned last October. 

Photo courtesy Councilmember Adam Van Grack

D.C. juvenile breaks into 2 businesses in Rockville in 1 day

Maryland's weak juvenile justice laws were on display once again in the MD 355 corridor on May 22, 2025. Montgomery County police report that a 13-year-old boy from Washington, D.C. broke into two businesses in Rockville that day. The businesses were Jiffy Lube Multicare at 15121 Frederick Road, and Nationwide Car Center at 12316 Wilkins Avenue. Officers found evidence of forced entry at both buildings, but determined that nothing had been stolen from either business. The suspect was arrested that afternoon, but would have to have been released to a parent or guardian under Maryland law.

Rockville ride-sharing driver ghosts passenger after devious theft

A ride-sharing passenger had a lighter load after arriving at their destination in the Woodley Gardens area of Rockville on the morning of May 22, 2025, Rockville City police report. The victim exited the car, but the driver allegedly sped off with the victim's belongings before they could be retrieved from the vehicle. When the victim attempted to contact the driver through the ride-sharing app, in case it had been an honest mistake, the driver ghosted the victim and ceased responding. The incident took place in the 600 block of Warfield Drive at 8:28 AM. Police have not released the identity of the driver, and have not identified the ride-sharing company in question.

Teen girls arrested after assault in Rockville park

Two teenage girls were arrested following an altercation in the King Farm area of Rockville on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Rockville City police were called to investigate a 2nd-degree assault at King Farm Park at 401 Watkins Pond Boulevard at 2:50 PM Sunday. Officers took a 17-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl into custody. Their cases will be handled through the juvenile justice system. Police have not yet indicated who was victimized in the alleged assault.

Gaithersburg man dies after assault at Silver Diner in Rockville

A Gaithersburg man was the victim of a fatal assault at Silver Diner at 12276 Rockville Pike at Federal Plaza in Rockville on May 21, 2025, Montgomery County police say. Officers responded to a report of an assault at the popular restaurant at 11:52 PM that evening. When they arrived, they found Fredi Torres, 49, of Gaithersburg to be unresponsive. Officers immediately began lifesaving efforts, until Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services personnel arrived. MCFRS transported Torres to a local hospital, where he tragically later passed away.

Detectives are urging any customers of the restaurant who may have witnessed the incident to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page, or call 1-866-411-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous. 

Police called after assault at hotel in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to a hotel early Friday morning, May 23, 2025, after someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at a hotel in the 16000 block of Shady Grove Road at 4:00 AM Friday. A Red Roof Plus+ hotel is located on that block of Shady Grove Road.

Police respond to assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this past weekend. The assault was reported at the mall on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12:41 PM. This the fifth assault to take place at the mall this year. There were 11 assaults reported at the popular retail center in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022.

ICE MS-13 arrest exposes Montgomery County's soft-on-crime leadership

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 26-year-old Salvadoran national Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez in Gaithersburg on May 12, 2025, the agency announced yesterday. ICE described Amaya-Benitez as "a validated MS-13 gang member." ICE Baltimore acting Field Officer Director Nikita Baker blasted Montgomery County officials for not honoring four detainers it placed on Amaya-Benitez at times he was in custody since 2017. But what's equally-astonishing, is the list of crimes he committed in Montgomery County between 2017 and 2024, and the favorable treatment he received from Montgomery County judges and elected officials, who allowed him to continue preying on the community until his arrest by ICE on Monday.

Amaya-Benitez already had a criminal record in Texas, before he even arrived in Montgomery County in 2017. Yet, knowing this, and that Amaya-Benitez was in the country illegally, MoCo judges gave him incredibly light sentences. In 2017, he was convicted of armed robbery in Montgomery County, but received a sentence of only 18 months. In 2023, he was convicted of theft in Montgomery County. Despite his criminal record now including the previous armed robbery, a Montgomery County judge suspended his entire sentence(!!). Less than a month later, Amaya-Benitez was convicted of motor vehicle theft, and rogue and vagabond (the act of breaking into - or testing door handles of - cars with the intent to steal items inside). He then received a jail sentence of only 18 months.

Three days later, Amaya-Benitez was convicted of 2nd-degree malicious burning in Montgomery County. The judge in that case also sentenced him to 18 months. ICE lodged a detainer on him with the Montgomery County Detention Center on October 11, 2023, which was not honored by Montgomery County. The agency reported yesterday that Montgomery County not only prevented ICE from deporting Amaya-Benitez, but released him as a free man "on an unknown date."

With Montgomery County sending a clear message of minimal consequences for criminal activity, and protection from deportation, Amaya-Benitez was arrested and charged with attempted motor vehicle theft in Montgomery County on September 29, 2024. He was convicted of that crime on April 4 of this year. What was his sentence from the Montgomery County judge, with the above rap sheet in front of the court? Hold on to your seat, folks: 7 months and 19 days.

If your mind isn't blown yet, Amaya-Benitez never even served that light sentence. According to ICE, Montgomery County released him into the community again on April 18, 2025, only 14 days after his conviction. 

Montgomery County officials were clearly delighted to host Amaya-Benitez, and to allow him to prey on the residents who pay their salaries. His case underscores yet again their soft-on-crime, anti-police, pro-criminal policies, which have helped sustain a violent crime wave since 2020. On this matter alone, no Montgomery County elected official should be returned to office in 2026. 

After eight years of committing crimes against Montgomery County residents with the help of Montgomery County officials, Amaya-Benitez is now in ICE custody. Perhaps this "Maryland Man" will receive a last-minute assist to remain in the country from Senator Chris Van Hollen or a federal judge, to ensure he can once again return to Montgomery County and continue his good work.

While ICE official Baker did not comment on the ridiculously-light sentences Amaya-Benitez received from Montgomery County judges, Baker did slam County officials for repeatedly refusing to honor the agency's detainers on him. "ICE lodged five detainers — four of which were not honored — allowing him to return to the streets and reoffend time and time again," Baker said in a statement Thursday. "This pattern is unacceptable. We strongly encourage our local law enforcement partners to honor our detainers to ensure that dangerous individuals like this are held accountable and removed from our communities to protect the law-abiding residents we serve."

Photo courtesy ICE